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-   -   Problem - When couples have different last names (https://www.excelbanter.com/excel-discussion-misc-queries/52427-problem-when-couples-have-different-last-names.html)

lburg801

Problem - When couples have different last names
 

I'm a Newbie. Church secretary died, no one knows how to use database as
is. I have re-entered data from scratch in new worksheet - all of it!

Because many couples do not share same last name, it was suggested that
I create these columns First_Name1, Last_Name1, AND, (actually a column
containing the conjunction "and") First_Name2, Last_Name2.

This design was based on creating mailing labels and a directory. To
have it work in printing labes, etc, I was to leave Last_Name1 blank if
the couple shared the same last name. A limited test was positive with
data imported by word for mailing labels - or did they export to Word?
- I am so green!.

Since the test, I have added new names to the database. I just did them
all at the bottom of the worksheet assuming I could sort the whole
database alphabetically when done.

I was looking for a way to sort by Last name. Since there are single
members, the column I would have to use is Last_Name1 column - so I'm
sure you are far ahead of me in seeing the flaws in this setup and can
possibly understand my state of panic at this point.

Trudy :confused:


--
lburg801
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Don Guillett

Problem - When couples have different last names
 
Without too much thought how about a column for the couple and another
column on the SAME row if there are two
Brown, Joe Betty
Brown, Joe Smith, Ann

then you could use
=a2 & " " & b2

--
Don Guillett
SalesAid Software

"lburg801" wrote in
message ...

I'm a Newbie. Church secretary died, no one knows how to use database as
is. I have re-entered data from scratch in new worksheet - all of it!

Because many couples do not share same last name, it was suggested that
I create these columns First_Name1, Last_Name1, AND, (actually a column
containing the conjunction "and") First_Name2, Last_Name2.

This design was based on creating mailing labels and a directory. To
have it work in printing labes, etc, I was to leave Last_Name1 blank if
the couple shared the same last name. A limited test was positive with
data imported by word for mailing labels - or did they export to Word?
- I am so green!.

Since the test, I have added new names to the database. I just did them
all at the bottom of the worksheet assuming I could sort the whole
database alphabetically when done.

I was looking for a way to sort by Last name. Since there are single
members, the column I would have to use is Last_Name1 column - so I'm
sure you are far ahead of me in seeing the flaws in this setup and can
possibly understand my state of panic at this point.

Trudy :confused:


--
lburg801
------------------------------------------------------------------------
lburg801's Profile:

http://www.excelforum.com/member.php...o&userid=28338
View this thread: http://www.excelforum.com/showthread...hreadid=479579




Search33

Problem - When couples have different last names
 
You could use a 'helper' column to sort by... for example
A:First_Name1, B:Last_Name1, C:AND, D:First_Name2, E:Last_Name2, F:SORT

F:=if(isblank(B1),E1,B1) and copy it down the column. This will put
Last_Name1 in F if it exists and Last_Name2 if it does not.
Note: the = sign needs to be at the beggining of the formula

I think this is the easiest way that you won't have to rework the whole
spreadsheet...again.

"Don Guillett" wrote:

Without too much thought how about a column for the couple and another
column on the SAME row if there are two
Brown, Joe Betty
Brown, Joe Smith, Ann

then you could use
=a2 & " " & b2

--
Don Guillett
SalesAid Software

"lburg801" wrote in
message ...

I'm a Newbie. Church secretary died, no one knows how to use database as
is. I have re-entered data from scratch in new worksheet - all of it!

Because many couples do not share same last name, it was suggested that
I create these columns First_Name1, Last_Name1, AND, (actually a column
containing the conjunction "and") First_Name2, Last_Name2.

This design was based on creating mailing labels and a directory. To
have it work in printing labes, etc, I was to leave Last_Name1 blank if
the couple shared the same last name. A limited test was positive with
data imported by word for mailing labels - or did they export to Word?
- I am so green!.

Since the test, I have added new names to the database. I just did them
all at the bottom of the worksheet assuming I could sort the whole
database alphabetically when done.

I was looking for a way to sort by Last name. Since there are single
members, the column I would have to use is Last_Name1 column - so I'm
sure you are far ahead of me in seeing the flaws in this setup and can
possibly understand my state of panic at this point.

Trudy :confused:


--
lburg801
------------------------------------------------------------------------
lburg801's Profile:

http://www.excelforum.com/member.php...o&userid=28338
View this thread: http://www.excelforum.com/showthread...hreadid=479579





lburg801

Problem - When couples have different last names
 

IS THERE A WAY TO FORMAT THE WHOLE COLUMN OR DO I HAVE TO CHANGE THE
CELL NUMBERS AND APPLY IT TO EACH CELL IN THE COLUMN?

Search33 Wrote:[color=blue]
You could use a 'helper' column to sort by... for example
A:First_Name1, B:Last_Name1, C:AND, D:First_Name2, E:Last_Name2,
F:SORT

F:=if(isblank(B1),E1,B1) and copy it down the column. This will put
Last_Name1 in F if it exists and Last_Name2 if it does not.
Note: the = sign needs to be at the beggining of the formula

I think this is the easiest way that you won't have to rework the
whole
spreadsheet...again.

"Don Guillett" wrote:

Without too much thought how about a column for the couple and

another
column on the SAME row if there are two
Brown, Joe Betty
Brown, Joe Smith, Ann

then you could use
=a2 & " " & b2

--
Don Guillett
SalesAid Software

"lburg801"

wrote in
message

...

I'm a Newbie. Church secretary died, no one knows how to use

database as
is. I have re-entered data from scratch in new worksheet - all of

it!

Because many couples do not share same last name, it was suggested

that
I create these columns First_Name1, Last_Name1, AND, (actually a

column
containing the conjunction "and") First_Name2, Last_Name2.

This design was based on creating mailing labels and a directory.

To
have it work in printing labes, etc, I was to leave Last_Name1

blank if
the couple shared the same last name. A limited test was positive

with
data imported by word for mailing labels - or did they export to

Word?
- I am so green!.

Since the test, I have added new names to the database. I just did

them
all at the bottom of the worksheet assuming I could sort the whole
database alphabetically when done.

I was looking for a way to sort by Last name. Since there are

single
members, the column I would have to use is Last_Name1 column - so

I'm
sure you are far ahead of me in seeing the flaws in this setup and

can
possibly understand my state of panic at this point.

Trudy :confused:


--
lburg801

------------------------------------------------------------------------
lburg801's Profile:

http://www.excelforum.com/member.php...o&userid=28338
View this thread:

http://www.excelforum.com/showthread...hreadid=479579
IS THERE A WAY TO FORMAT THE WHOLE COLUMN OR DO I HAVE TO CHANGE THE

CELL NUMBERS AND APPLY IT TO EACH CELL IN THE COLUMN?



--
lburg801
------------------------------------------------------------------------
lburg801's Profile: http://www.excelforum.com/member.php...o&userid=28338
View this thread: http://www.excelforum.com/showthread...hreadid=479579


Don Guillett

Problem - When couples have different last names
 
Please don't SHOUT! It is considered to be bad netiquette.
Yes, click on the A or B or ? and then format.

--
Don Guillett
SalesAid Software

"lburg801" wrote in
message ...

IS THERE A WAY TO FORMAT THE WHOLE COLUMN OR DO I HAVE TO CHANGE THE
CELL NUMBERS AND APPLY IT TO EACH CELL IN THE COLUMN?

Search33 Wrote:
You could use a 'helper' column to sort by... for example
A:First_Name1, B:Last_Name1, C:AND, D:First_Name2, E:Last_Name2,
F:SORT

F:=if(isblank(B1),E1,B1) and copy it down the column. This will put
Last_Name1 in F if it exists and Last_Name2 if it does not.
Note: the = sign needs to be at the beggining of the formula

I think this is the easiest way that you won't have to rework the
whole
spreadsheet...again.

"Don Guillett" wrote:

Without too much thought how about a column for the couple and

another
column on the SAME row if there are two
Brown, Joe Betty
Brown, Joe Smith, Ann

then you could use
=a2 & " " & b2

--
Don Guillett
SalesAid Software

"lburg801"

wrote in
message


...[color=green]

I'm a Newbie. Church secretary died, no one knows how to use

database as
is. I have re-entered data from scratch in new worksheet - all of

it!

Because many couples do not share same last name, it was suggested

that
I create these columns First_Name1, Last_Name1, AND, (actually a

column
containing the conjunction "and") First_Name2, Last_Name2.

This design was based on creating mailing labels and a directory.

To
have it work in printing labes, etc, I was to leave Last_Name1

blank if
the couple shared the same last name. A limited test was positive

with
data imported by word for mailing labels - or did they export to

Word?
- I am so green!.

Since the test, I have added new names to the database. I just did

them
all at the bottom of the worksheet assuming I could sort the whole
database alphabetically when done.

I was looking for a way to sort by Last name. Since there are

single
members, the column I would have to use is Last_Name1 column - so

I'm
sure you are far ahead of me in seeing the flaws in this setup and

can
possibly understand my state of panic at this point.

Trudy :confused:


--
lburg801

------------------------------------------------------------------------
lburg801's Profile:
http://www.excelforum.com/member.php...o&userid=28338
View this thread:

http://www.excelforum.com/showthread...hreadid=479579
IS THERE A WAY TO FORMAT THE WHOLE COLUMN OR DO I HAVE TO CHANGE THE

CELL NUMBERS AND APPLY IT TO EACH CELL IN THE COLUMN?



--
lburg801
------------------------------------------------------------------------
lburg801's Profile:

http://www.excelforum.com/member.php...o&userid=28338
View this thread: http://www.excelforum.com/showthread...hreadid=479579




lburg801

Problem - When couples have different last names
 

Don, I gather that my experimenting with font sizes is equated with
shouting. I have some difficulty finding the new post, so it was more
about me being confused. Pardon my netiquette faux pas. I need a
blushing smilie to paste here.

Also, I may have used the wrong term when I said format. My question is
there a way to apply a formula like the example you gave, since it
refers to specific cells, to an entire column?

Thanks again,
Trudy



Don Guillett Wrote:[color=blue]
Please don't SHOUT! It is considered to be bad netiquette.
Yes, click on the A or B or ? and then format.

--
Don Guillett
SalesAid Software

"lburg801"
wrote in
message ...

IS THERE A WAY TO FORMAT THE WHOLE COLUMN OR DO I HAVE TO CHANGE THE
CELL NUMBERS AND APPLY IT TO EACH CELL IN THE COLUMN?

Search33 Wrote:
You could use a 'helper' column to sort by... for example
A:First_Name1, B:Last_Name1, C:AND, D:First_Name2, E:Last_Name2,
F:SORT

F:=if(isblank(B1),E1,B1) and copy it down the column. This will

put
Last_Name1 in F if it exists and Last_Name2 if it does not.
Note: the = sign needs to be at the beggining of the formula

I think this is the easiest way that you won't have to rework the
whole
spreadsheet...again.

"Don Guillett" wrote:

Without too much thought how about a column for the couple and
another
column on the SAME row if there are two
Brown, Joe Betty
Brown, Joe Smith, Ann

then you could use
=a2 & " " & b2

--
Don Guillett
SalesAid Software

"lburg801"


wrote in
message

...

I'm a Newbie. Church secretary died, no one knows how to use
database as
is. I have re-entered data from scratch in new worksheet - all

of
it!

Because many couples do not share same last name, it was

suggested
that
I create these columns First_Name1, Last_Name1, AND, (actually

a
column
containing the conjunction "and") First_Name2, Last_Name2.

This design was based on creating mailing labels and a

directory.
To
have it work in printing labes, etc, I was to leave Last_Name1
blank if
the couple shared the same last name. A limited test was

positive
with
data imported by word for mailing labels - or did they export

to
Word?
- I am so green!.

Since the test, I have added new names to the database. I just

did
them
all at the bottom of the worksheet assuming I could sort the

whole
database alphabetically when done.

I was looking for a way to sort by Last name. Since there are
single
members, the column I would have to use is Last_Name1 column -

so
I'm
sure you are far ahead of me in seeing the flaws in this setup

and
can
possibly understand my state of panic at this point.

Trudy :confused:


--
lburg801


------------------------------------------------------------------------
lburg801's Profile:
http://www.excelforum.com/member.php...o&userid=28338
View this thread:
http://www.excelforum.com/showthread...hreadid=479579
IS THERE A WAY TO FORMAT THE WHOLE COLUMN OR DO I HAVE TO CHANGE

THE
CELL NUMBERS AND APPLY IT TO EACH CELL IN THE COLUMN?



--
lburg801

------------------------------------------------------------------------
lburg801's Profile:

http://www.excelforum.com/member.php...o&userid=28338
View this thread:

http://www.excelforum.com/showthread...hreadid=479579



--
lburg801
------------------------------------------------------------------------
lburg801's Profile: http://www.excelforum.com/member.php...o&userid=28338
View this thread: http://www.excelforum.com/showthread...hreadid=479579


Don Guillett

Problem - When couples have different last names
 
I would NOT (shouting here for emphasis) apply a formula to an entire
column. Just drag down as far as needed or use a macro to do it for you,
similar to this:

Sub putformula()
Set frng = Range("h8:h" & cells(rows.count,"a").End(xlUp).Row)
With frng
.Formula = "=a2 & " " & b2"

'uncomment line below to leave result only
' .Formula = .Value
End With
End Sub

--
Don Guillett
SalesAid Software

"lburg801" wrote in
message ...

Don, I gather that my experimenting with font sizes is equated with
shouting. I have some difficulty finding the new post, so it was more
about me being confused. Pardon my netiquette faux pas. I need a
blushing smilie to paste here.

Also, I may have used the wrong term when I said format. My question is
there a way to apply a formula like the example you gave, since it
refers to specific cells, to an entire column?

Thanks again,
Trudy



Don Guillett Wrote:
Please don't SHOUT! It is considered to be bad netiquette.
Yes, click on the A or B or ? and then format.

--
Don Guillett
SalesAid Software

"lburg801"
wrote in
message ...

IS THERE A WAY TO FORMAT THE WHOLE COLUMN OR DO I HAVE TO CHANGE THE
CELL NUMBERS AND APPLY IT TO EACH CELL IN THE COLUMN?

Search33 Wrote:
You could use a 'helper' column to sort by... for example
A:First_Name1, B:Last_Name1, C:AND, D:First_Name2, E:Last_Name2,
F:SORT

F:=if(isblank(B1),E1,B1) and copy it down the column. This will

put
Last_Name1 in F if it exists and Last_Name2 if it does not.
Note: the = sign needs to be at the beggining of the formula

I think this is the easiest way that you won't have to rework the
whole
spreadsheet...again.

"Don Guillett" wrote:

Without too much thought how about a column for the couple and
another
column on the SAME row if there are two
Brown, Joe Betty
Brown, Joe Smith, Ann

then you could use
=a2 & " " & b2

--
Don Guillett
SalesAid Software

"lburg801"


wrote in
message


...[color=darkred]

I'm a Newbie. Church secretary died, no one knows how to use
database as
is. I have re-entered data from scratch in new worksheet - all

of
it!

Because many couples do not share same last name, it was

suggested
that
I create these columns First_Name1, Last_Name1, AND, (actually

a
column
containing the conjunction "and") First_Name2, Last_Name2.

This design was based on creating mailing labels and a

directory.
To
have it work in printing labes, etc, I was to leave Last_Name1
blank if
the couple shared the same last name. A limited test was

positive
with
data imported by word for mailing labels - or did they export

to
Word?
- I am so green!.

Since the test, I have added new names to the database. I just

did
them
all at the bottom of the worksheet assuming I could sort the

whole
database alphabetically when done.

I was looking for a way to sort by Last name. Since there are
single
members, the column I would have to use is Last_Name1 column -

so
I'm
sure you are far ahead of me in seeing the flaws in this setup

and
can
possibly understand my state of panic at this point.

Trudy :confused:


--
lburg801


------------------------------------------------------------------------
lburg801's Profile:
http://www.excelforum.com/member.php...o&userid=28338
View this thread:
http://www.excelforum.com/showthread...hreadid=479579
IS THERE A WAY TO FORMAT THE WHOLE COLUMN OR DO I HAVE TO CHANGE

THE
CELL NUMBERS AND APPLY IT TO EACH CELL IN THE COLUMN?


--
lburg801

------------------------------------------------------------------------
lburg801's Profile:

http://www.excelforum.com/member.php...o&userid=28338
View this thread:

http://www.excelforum.com/showthread...hreadid=479579



--
lburg801
------------------------------------------------------------------------
lburg801's Profile:

http://www.excelforum.com/member.php...o&userid=28338
View this thread: http://www.excelforum.com/showthread...hreadid=479579




Search33

Problem - When couples have different last names
 
Once you type

=if(isblank(B1),E1,B1)

into the correct column and put the correct row numbers, all you need to do
is click on the bottom right corner of the cell and drag it down the column
to the bottom of your list.

To sort the list: Highlight Columns A through F
Click Data -- Sort
Change the top "Sort by" to Column F and choose Ascending or Descending and
click ok.

- Search

"lburg801" wrote:
[color=blue]

Don, I gather that my experimenting with font sizes is equated with
shouting. I have some difficulty finding the new post, so it was more
about me being confused. Pardon my netiquette faux pas. I need a
blushing smilie to paste here.

Also, I may have used the wrong term when I said format. My question is
there a way to apply a formula like the example you gave, since it
refers to specific cells, to an entire column?

Thanks again,
Trudy



Don Guillett Wrote:
Please don't SHOUT! It is considered to be bad netiquette.
Yes, click on the A or B or ? and then format.

--
Don Guillett
SalesAid Software

"lburg801"
wrote in
message ...

IS THERE A WAY TO FORMAT THE WHOLE COLUMN OR DO I HAVE TO CHANGE THE
CELL NUMBERS AND APPLY IT TO EACH CELL IN THE COLUMN?

Search33 Wrote:
You could use a 'helper' column to sort by... for example
A:First_Name1, B:Last_Name1, C:AND, D:First_Name2, E:Last_Name2,
F:SORT

F:=if(isblank(B1),E1,B1) and copy it down the column. This will

put
Last_Name1 in F if it exists and Last_Name2 if it does not.
Note: the = sign needs to be at the beggining of the formula

I think this is the easiest way that you won't have to rework the
whole
spreadsheet...again.

"Don Guillett" wrote:

Without too much thought how about a column for the couple and
another
column on the SAME row if there are two
Brown, Joe Betty
Brown, Joe Smith, Ann

then you could use
=a2 & " " & b2

--
Don Guillett
SalesAid Software

"lburg801"


wrote in
message

...

I'm a Newbie. Church secretary died, no one knows how to use
database as
is. I have re-entered data from scratch in new worksheet - all

of
it!

Because many couples do not share same last name, it was

suggested
that
I create these columns First_Name1, Last_Name1, AND, (actually

a
column
containing the conjunction "and") First_Name2, Last_Name2.

This design was based on creating mailing labels and a

directory.
To
have it work in printing labes, etc, I was to leave Last_Name1
blank if
the couple shared the same last name. A limited test was

positive
with
data imported by word for mailing labels - or did they export

to
Word?
- I am so green!.

Since the test, I have added new names to the database. I just

did
them
all at the bottom of the worksheet assuming I could sort the

whole
database alphabetically when done.

I was looking for a way to sort by Last name. Since there are
single
members, the column I would have to use is Last_Name1 column -

so
I'm
sure you are far ahead of me in seeing the flaws in this setup

and
can
possibly understand my state of panic at this point.

Trudy :confused:


--
lburg801


------------------------------------------------------------------------
lburg801's Profile:
http://www.excelforum.com/member.php...o&userid=28338
View this thread:
http://www.excelforum.com/showthread...hreadid=479579
IS THERE A WAY TO FORMAT THE WHOLE COLUMN OR DO I HAVE TO CHANGE

THE
CELL NUMBERS AND APPLY IT TO EACH CELL IN THE COLUMN?


--
lburg801

------------------------------------------------------------------------
lburg801's Profile:

http://www.excelforum.com/member.php...o&userid=28338
View this thread:

http://www.excelforum.com/showthread...hreadid=479579



--
lburg801
------------------------------------------------------------------------
lburg801's Profile: http://www.excelforum.com/member.php...o&userid=28338
View this thread: http://www.excelforum.com/showthread...hreadid=479579




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